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After Arrival: Orientation and Transition

All new students are required to check-in with the Cranwell International Center upon their arrival. Many of you will need to obtain a Social Security Number to begin working on campus. These tasks require submitting e-forms through the IntlHokies Portal.

Completing the Required Immigration Check-In

All new international students must complete a mandatory immigration check-in process after arrival to the US and/or campus by submitting the Immigration Check-In e-form through the IntlHokies Portal. Your SEVIS record will be activated only after you complete this mandatory check-in. The Immigration Check In process is also how you request a ‘continued attendance’ I-20 to begin your on-campus work, if that is applicable to you. Failure to check in may result in the de-activation/cancellation of your SEVIS record and could mean you are no longer able to legally stay in the U.S.

Before you open the e-form to start the Immigration Check-In, collect the following information:

  • Visa with most recent entry stamp, if you received one.
  • Form I-94 OR Form I-797/I-94 Approval Notice

Follow these steps to complete the check-in.

  • Login to the IntlHokies portal using your Virginia Tech PID and password and completing the dual authentication process.
  • On the lefthand navigation, select the Immigration Check-In hyperlink.
  • In the Tasks window that opens, select the appropriate option that appears for you:
    • Immigration Check-In for F-1 students; OR 
    • Immigration Check-In for J-1 students.
  • Enter all required information and upload required documents.
  • Check the box in the Confirmation section, reading the fine print carefully.
  • Click Submit. 

Note: If you have currently have an I-20 with one of the following Form Issue Reasons: change of level, transfer pending, or change of status, upon approval of your Immigration Check In you will be provided with a continued attendance I-20 that you will need to submit to the VT Payroll Office in order to begin your on-campus employment.

SSN Information

If you have secured authorized on-campus employment in the form of an assistantship or wage position, you will need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Before you can apply with the Social Security Administrative (SSA) office, review the detailed instructions below.

For more information about obtaining a Social Security Number while on F-1 visa status, start by reviewing our Obtaining a Social Security Number Page.

Obtaining a Social Security Number

Day of Arrival and Orientation Information

Next Steps Once You Arrive on Campus

  • Connect to the campus wi-fi. Please familiarize yourself with Virginia Tech's Wi-fi page to learn how to do this. Our wi-fi is called "eduroam." Please visit the Virginia Tech Wireless website.
  • If you miss Cranwell orientation, you can get your Hokie Passport ("Hokie P") at the Hokie Passport Office is located at the Student Services Building ground floor. When going to get your "Hokie P," bring your passport and know your 9-digit student ID number. To learn more about the Hokie Passport, please visit the Hokie Passport Services pages.
  • Attend all relevant orientation sessions with your academic program!

Welcome Activities For New International Students

  • Welcome activities for new undergraduate students are organized both through the Cranwell International Center and the Office of New Students and Family Programs in the Division of Student Affairs.
  • CranwellConnect is our monthly email of events organized by the Cranwell International Center. This is an "opt-out" list. By default, all new international students are added to receive these emails.
  • The Office of Student Engagement and Campus Life offers a vibrant, diverse schedule of activities on campus throughout the year, including many at the beginning of each semester welcoming new students. Download the Hokies on Track app to get updates on campus-wide welcome events!
  • Find other ways to enhance your student experience and explore GobblerConnect, the portal for student organizations and student-led events on campus.

The Cranwell International Center partners with the Graduate School at Virginia Tech to support new international graduate students.

  • The Graduate School offers a schedule of programs to help all new graduate students settle in to life on campus.

Other Helpful Resources